KANSAS CITY -- The Kansas City Royals today activated outfielder Reggie Sanders from the 60-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Joey Gathright to Omaha (AAA). To create room on the 40-man roster, the Royals designated left-handed pitcher Sean Thompson for assignment. Sanders has been sidelined since tearing his left hamstring on May 2 in a game against the Angels in Kansas City.

Sanders, 39, was hitting .367 (18-for-49) with 6 runs scored, 6 doubles, 2 homers and 8 RBI in 16 games prior to suffering the injury. He is in his 17th Major League season, second as a member of the Royals.

Gathright, a 26-year old outfielder, hit .315 (23-for-73) with 13 runs scored, 4 doubles and 9 RBI in 25 games since his recall from Omaha on June 6.